3:45 in 2013

Everyone else - Good running and hope everyone else had a good race this weekend if you had one!

Me - So last Wednesday I had a good 6.5 mile run with my LRS @7:49 pace, and followed that up with a recovery 5 miler the following day. Took Friday off and then did a really easy 2.5 miles on the TM Saturday morning to keep the legs loose for the 18 mile race today. So to the race report...

The race actually didn't start until 10:30 am, and it wasn't raining, which was good, but the wind was actually worse than I had thought it would be (we have been dealing with the tropical storm from the south, and the race was a point-to-point course on an island off the Jersey shore). Coming directly at us would be wind of 20-25mph, and for the entire 18 miles, so I wasn't looking forward to that. Still, I felt good, loosened up and stretched, and off we went.

The first couple of miles felt very easy, but I was going faster than I wanted to at the start, which was right around an 8:30-8:35 pace. Figuring that the whole course was flat, though, I figured I may be able to hold around this pace for a while. Things continued to stay the same between miles 3-9 and I was cruising along. During miles 10-11, I could feel slight fatigue in my legs, but more importantly, the wind was getting worse and worse. It hadn't totally bothered me up until that point, and it was starting to make my whole upper body cold. By mile 12, it all really hit me, and it was during this mile that I felt like I may have gone out too fast. I was trying to ignore this feeling, but by 13 miles in, it hit me hard. It's at this point that the race report gets a bit ugly...

I'm not gonna lie, the last 5 miles of this race was probably the toughest I have ever gutted out (mind you, this is the longest I have ever run period). Each wind gust just zapped more and more energy out of me, and I needed to take short walking breaks. Maybe 1-2 with each mile, of no more than 15-30 seconds each. I tried to keep them as short as possible, but I could really feel myself fading. My splits between 14-17 miles were 10:19, 9:41, 9:50, and 10:30. Yes you are reading that correctly. It was awful, and I was kicking myself during this time. By 17 miles in, I just dug deep and pushed myself as hard as I could, and actually finished with an 8:46 mile. Seeing my mom and step-dad cheering at the end did make me feel slightly better though. My overall splits were: 8:35, 8:30, 8:37, 8:37, 8:40, 8:29, 8:32, 8:32, 8:37, 8:49, 8:59, 9:06, 9:29, 10:19, 9:41, 9:50, 10:30, 8:46. Average pace was 9:06, which is a few seconds slower than my training paces have been.

Not going to lie, I was pretty disappointed with how I ran this race. I was especially disappointed because it was only 18 miles, and I shouldn't be hitting a wall, if at all, until at least 18-20 miles in. But instead of dwelling on it, I'm going to stay positive about it, and also learn from it. One positive is that this wasn't the marathon, which is my goal race, so I'd rather this happen now and not then. It obviously wasn't the best confidence booster in the world, but the good news is I know what I did wrong. Going out at around 8:35 pace or so wasn't the best idea for that many miles (Honky - kept thinking of you reminding me over and over about pace and still went out too fast). I also know that I need to increase my mileage base per week as it's probably not what it needs to be at 35-42 mpw. The strong winds also did play a big part, and I should have been more conservative from the start knowing that.

After the race, my calves were screaming, but surprisingly, nothing else really hurt, but was overall just tired (and glad to get out of that stupid wind!) Even with my debacle at the end, I still finished in 247th place out of about 800 runners, so not horrible. I realize now that for the marathon, I really need to go out around 9-9:10 per mile for most of the race and then try and see if I can pick it up slightly near the end.

I have a couple more weeks before my taper, and will be running a 20 miler in a couple of weeks. Will look to get in around 35 miles this week after taking at least tomorrow off (also have a trip planned with my wife for next weekend), and then a solid 45 mile week next week.

HG - Nice race report and fantastic race! I love the pictures! I also love how laid-back you seem about this whole marathon training and racing and how much fun you seem to be having :-).

Mvallone - Was your race in NJ? If so, the winds were brutal today! Of course during my race, the wind hit me the hardest as I was climbing the last incline on the course. It felt like I was moving backwards. Anyway, congrats on finishing your race and you're right, at least it happened today and not during the marathon. And you also see how you can feel good in the beginning of a long race and then fade badly due to pacing. Pacing is still a science that I haven't perfected despite knowing better.

DTF - Not much a race report here. I ran an inaugural race with about 1,500 people. I lined up at the front, and was literally one of the first to cross the starting mat. As such, I had the experience of running with a cyclist leading the way, which was a new experience. Being in the front is also kind of lonely. Nobody was in front or in back of me for large sections of the race. Anyway, it was an out and back course with some 180 degree turns. This is a 62 mile week for the Hanson program that I'm following and I really didn't rest, outside of taking yesterday off. I felt the fatigue at mile 2. So much so that I was questioning whether I would be able to finish with a "respectable" time. The winds were easily the worse in miles 7-9, which conveniently, were the hilliest on the course. I'd like to think that I would've been a tad faster minus the wind, but the results are what they are, and since it lines up with my 1:40 half, and I was able to fight the fatigue and dead legs, I'm happy enough.

Splits:

7:22

7:18

7:24

7:17

7:32

7:43

7:43

7:45

7:58

7:27

And with that, I finished 62 miles last week and am ecstatic that I can cut back to 55 this week . Only one more week of 60+ miles and then we can take it down!

Running for a lifetime not a race time

Honky - Big congrats on well executed race. Really neat to see how you tested the faster waters and backed off and continued with the plan to a great finish. Boy you and last weekends crew is making my race to do well even tougher! lol

Dreamn - Very impressive you ran that race so well at the end of a Hanson 60+ miler week. Those were some tough weeks for me.

mvallone - Hang in there. This race does not define your training. But it is good to reevaluate things and adding some more miles would be good. But with only a month to go until your goal full, the gains might be little.

Me - SRD and kind of eating a little extra today. Hoping I don't put on too much weight this week.

Kevin - those 1600\s at 5k pace can be brutal. I was doing 4x1600 my last cycle, probably not quite at 5k pace. I hear you on the house projects, my deck is one of the only things that's finished on my house, have been working on the kitchen here for a couple years now.

me - ran 32km @5:53/km (19.89mi@9:28/mi), was a beautiful fall day, running a long the beach, and through old neighbourhoods, with the leaves changing. After the 19km medium long run on Friday and 8km recovery on Saturday, it seem a little difficult. I'm running afternoons during the week, then mornings on the weekend, so only about 12 hrs between the Friday and Saturday runs.

Longest week ever for me, 90.28km (56 mi), so might be the longest week of this cycle. Still 7 weeks until my marathon. This was my week

Laurel! Incredible race! Always happy to see another Marylander crush it like that!!!

Honky! Awesome race! If I were less than ten seconds from an even marathon split ever I'd either be over the moon or kicking myself that I didn't negative split. :-) it looks like your crazy bike mileage is paying off big time.

The earth is certainly vast and broad, though a man uses no more of it than the area he puts his feet on. (Chuang Tzu)

Honky, I approve of the shoe choice. The Bondi's worked wonders for me so far. But I still want to try those tarmacs! Nice pictures too, and good idea on the water on the head... always helps cool you down. A blok every 2 miles!? You must of been hungry!

Laurel, great race! What was your goal time? 3:37 is close to qualifying for Boston isn't it? Looking for that RR soon!

Dreamn, awesome! It's such a boost to rock a race like that after a long training week! keep these good runs coming guys and girls.

Running for a lifetime not a race time

Thanks for the congrats everyone! I am super happy! Zanrok- yes I am a mere 180 seconds from a BQ... I will probably be posting in the main forum about my plans for the next 8 weeks or so. There might be another marathon in my near future!

Honky- you are a machine with those even splits!

Dreamn- nice job on the 10 miler. It's great to see all those 7's for your mile paces!

Mvallone- tough but you powered through under less-than ideal conditions. As I can attest to, taper is a beautiful thing and your legs will feel totally new come race day.

And now for my race report. An important detail is that I ran Steamtown in northeastern PA- this is a big net downhill, with the biggest downhill the first 8 miles and little rollers the last 3.5 miles. Months ago I had vague dreams of BQ'ing (<3:35:00), but I gave those up and my plan going into yesterday was sub-3:45 and to enjoy myself. And I sure did.

Mile 1-5 (8:01, 8:12, 8:09, 7:51, 8:41):

This part is really consistently downhill, including a very steep downhill part right at the very beginning. I was holding back because it was so steep, a little crowded, plus I was super worried about the hills hurting my legs. I chugged along, just listening to people around me and taking in the sights. This part was mostly through small towns and the roads were annoyingly banked at some points. I think the spectators were just waking up, and they weren't too enthusiastic yet. Took my first Gu at mile 5. Mile 5 is also slow due to an emergency bathroom break.

Mile 6-10 (8:15, 8:24, 8:16, 9:12, 8:01):

I was still clearly terrified about the hills. I took them conservatively and let everyone pass me. My motto at this point was to not feel any discomfort during the first half, because I figured the second half would hurt badly no matter what. I have a healthy fear of the Wall. Second Gu at mile 10. I was taking Gatorade and/or water every couple of miles at this point. The course flattened out around mile 9, but you also run through the city of Carbondale, where I legitimately felt like a celebrity. I swear the whole town came out to cheer us on, and it was a wall of joyful noise. Also, another emergent bathroom break was needed between mile 8 and 9. Not happy about that.

Mile 11-13.1 (8:15, 8:17, 8:09, hit the half at 1:49:10 or so):

The course flattened out, it was beautiful, the weather was perfect, and I started to realize how great I felt. I had a tiny pain in my left foot and my right calf was tight, but my stomach calmed down pretty well and I was really, really enjoying the run. Fun fact: my half marathon PR is 1:49:02, so I was pretty concerned I'd have a horrible second half since I was so close to my PR.

Mile 13.1-18 (8:06, 8:12, 8:16, 8:18, 8:13):

I continued to enjoy myself. Marathons are the best! I should do this all the time! The course was still flat/slightly downhill and we went on some trails at this point. They were nice and tightly packed, so it wasn't any more challenging terrain. Plus, the scenery was amazing. In my training runs I often found myself craving Gu because I was running out of steam, but I actually forgot to take it at 15.

Mile 19-23 (8:28, 8:20, 8:17, 8:21, 8:16):

Yep. Still feeling good. Really nothing to report. These miles are still fairly flat and I remained slightly concerned I would bonk at some point. I was running so much faster than I had thought I would, and I was just really worried it would all come crashing down at some point.

Mile 24-26.2 (8:28, 8:19, 8:16, 6:55 pace for last 0.35):

The last couple miles have the only real uphill of the course. They slowed me down a little bit, but I mostly focused on taking tiny steps and chugging along. People around me were dropping like flies, and I found myself passing quite a few people. As I came into the home stretch, I let myself fly and breezed into the finish. It was amazing.

laurel - Awesome RR and great race again! I am so comforted reading that heading into my full this weekend. I did not realized your half PR was 1:49, so my 1:41 and hopes of full time close to yours is good!

Me - Taper bonkers is really hitting hard this morning. I can tell my legs are getting the magic applied to them just walking around. Going to talk some serious self-control to keep my lunch run pace easy.

Honky - as has been said, you are a true inspiration. Well done sir and great report

Dreamn - placing in ag while at the end of a big week awesome job

Door - sorry about the quad. Get it better soon. Txs for the Hanson's advice. I run Philly on Nov 17 (with Dreamn)

Pete ....taper taper taper - no leaving it out on the roads this week

Me - 62m last week. Like Dreamn said, I really felt it. What was nice (for me) was that i held the target pace and my last 5 miles were my fastest even tho I was "feeling it" (in other words I felt that i had slowed donw but I had actually sped up a little)

Good luck for the taper week Pete - run well those of you running and rest well Laurel and Honky (although I suspect that you will be out for a 10m flush out run followed by a 25m bike ride sometime today Mr HG)

Thanks SS!!!... I couldn't run 10 miles today even if I knew there was a winning power ball ticket at the finish....

Wow Laurel!!! 1:49:10 half with two bathroom breaks....

Thanks for a great RR, and it's awesome to read that you felt great the whole way! And way to smoke the finish!

Pete, if it's any consolation, I chucked my last run last Thursday, and with only 14 miles for the week, took the last THREE days totally off and enjoyed every relaxing moment. In retrospect, I wouldn't change a thing, my legs felt so good yesterday! I've blown tapers by running to much, too hard. But I've never ever blown a taper by taking it too easy. Relax, and you'll do great next weekend!

Thanks Zanrok and RF1, the Bloks don't seem like too much. One is about the size of a milk-dud. Sometimes I wonder if it's the caffeine in them that does the trick

Thanks CT! It's actually the first marathon in a long time I didn't negative split, but I'm not complaining. I really wasn't quite sure of my condition (with all the cycling) so I was thinking about taking a run at you and Zanrok's times... but after a few quicker miles, I could tell that would lead to trouble, and was not in the cards for me yesterday.

Drock congratulations on your solid looong week!

Dreamn, incredible finish to a 62 mile week... another to you!!!

MV, sometimes it's the hardest most grueling races that are the very best training. Not only are you still getting a great workout under miserable condition, but your mind is getting super tough. You'll recover stronger in more ways than one, and be just fine! With the full marathon taper in a few weeks, you'll be in great shape!

Me... oh my... my left knee is like all kinds of nasty sore. However, it's not swollen, so that's always a good sign. It eased up a bit with 15 minutes easy on my ski machine, and a couple easy spin bike miles this morning. Planning on an easy weight workout later this afternoon. No plans whatsoever to run this week. I will however, be easing back into things on my ski machine and bike every day. Other than my knee, everything else is just normal marathon sore, and my dogs look at me funny when I'm going down the steps hanging onto the railing...

Dreamn - Putting that Hanson's training to work! I think it was Hanson's. I've never placed in AG once, so that is awesome!

Pete - NO BEAST MODE this week. Put that rehearsed diet to work and just relax. And picture running this weekend 'NOT' like me

Me - I ran the 5k as I advertised. With my daughter in her BOB. It was very windy and she wanted the canopy down to stay warm. It acted like a sail and prevented me from trying to run hard. I ran 8:00mpm throughout. Got to the homestretch and let her run down the local High School track. She made it 25 yards until the music and announcer on the stadium speakers scared her and she started crying. Ahhh! She still enjoyed 'running with Daddy.'

Me... oh my... my left knee is like all kinds of nasty sore. However, it's not swollen, so that's always a good sign. It eased up a bit with 15 minutes easy on my ski machine, and a couple easy spin bike miles this morning. Planning on an easy weight workout later this afternoon. No plans whatsoever to run this week. I will however, be easing back into things on my ski machine and bike every day. Other than my knee, everything else is just normal marathon sore, and my dogs look at me funny when I'm going down the steps hanging onto the railing...

Honky - You'll get that knee figured out! I always always always feel better about my knees or other joints when I'm training. I know rest is good, but I feel my lazy self ignoring and not working on getting everything better.

Me 'Part 2' - Just posted to Craigslist about buying someones Bib for the Monster Dash 1/2 at the end of the month. Still trying to ride my wave of conditioning into the winter.

mvallone - sounds like a tough 18 mile race, wind can just make it that much tougher.

Dreamn - those are some fast splits.

Laurel - thanks for the race report, sounds like a great race, with great crowd support.

mac - nice 5k with your daughter, I've done a couple 5ks with my 9 year old, was surprised by the kick he had this year at the end of the race.

Honky - I hope your knee feels better, sounds like you have the cross training to deal with it. I might have to try the bloks, I've been using Honey stinger gels, but the caffeine boost sounds interesting.

me - rest day and Canadian Thanksgiving, so time to load up on some turkey tonight.

Drock - Enjoy the turkey, I am looking forward to some( a lot) next month.

Mac - Ride the conditioning! That is great and I hope to the same. There is a 25k race in May I always run and running that in under 2h would be huge! PS: beast mode...charging up for Sunday!

Honky - You are a machine! I could not imagine getting back to level of activity you are doing this week.

me - 6 easy miles on the marathon course. Practicing hitting the tangents on the curve path in the park I will be running on. Hopefully it will not be too packed with runners around me to keep me from running where I want.

Pete - Are you following the Hanson taper as written? It just seems like it's not a taper. I'm looking forward to how it plays out for you.

Laurel - Congrats on a fantastic race with bathroom breaks! I think you should go for it in 6 weeks. Worse thing that could happen is that you don't make the BQ and you try again early next fall if spring is out of the question. Obviously recover properly from this race first. What marathon would you sign up for?

Dreamn - I am following the Hansen taper as written. But I agree, it really does not look like a taper. But tomorrow will be easy vs a strength workout, so that will be nice. I think I will know by Friday how I am responding to the taper. So far I can tell my legs are recovering from all these weeks of training.

Laurel, if you are really wanting to qualify you can still sign up for CIM. The marathon I am doing In December. However, you literally have one day to decide! They open up qualified registration for those wishing to qualify for Boston, you meet the cutoff of 3:45. But it closes on the 15th!!

CIM is a great net downhill course, as long as the weather is good, (last year was a monsoon) you should have no problem qualifying.

Mvallone - No such thing as a bad run. IT will pay off sometime in the future.

Pete - We are living parallel existences, I am starting to go a little taper wacky.

Drock - those 3x1,600s for me are singular. I am taking the ‘hay is in the barn’ approach right now. Few tune up runs this week. Enjoy the feast.

Mac - I plan on a 5k with my 10-yr-old the week after my marathon. A Halloween fun event

Me - the countdown is on after 19 km last night (delayed because of the Pats thrilling win). Looking at a 10k and 11 km this week and maybe a 6 km Saturday before event starts at 8 a.m. Sunday. I am feeling tired, generally and a little paranoid about every sore body part. Par for the course, it seems.

Pete- it's nice you get to run on your race path. Definitely great practice since tangents can sneak up on you.

Drock- enjoy Thanksgiving! I'm not a meat eater but stuffing and green beans are the best!

Honky- shame about the knee bugging you. Take it super easy and you'll be back in no time. I forgot to comment yesterday but it blew my mind you went home and biked after your race! That's great.

me- rest day of course, although I'm trying to get up from my desk as often as possible so I don't get too stiff. I taught a class and found myself awkwardly trying to stretch on the podium as I talked. I feel great overall, no pain, just tight calves and quads. And my back/core is sore, but that might just be from the horrible hotel bed on Saturday night.

Dreamn- I was initially looking at the Rehoboth, Delaware Marathon in December (I live in Maryland) but it gets awful reviews on marathon guide. Zanrok's suggestion of CIM in December is mighty tempting, and I have a couple of vacation days left to burn this year. I will have to decide tonight. Considering I'm feeling great today I might have to roll the dice and sign up... if nothing else I'll get a nice vacation out of it

Thanks to everyone who posted well done's after my first marathon last week.

Congratulations to everyone who ran this past weekend.

I was able to get my first post-race run in on Friday. I was surprised how deep the soreness went into my quads 3 and 4 days after the race. Sunday I went for a run with my wife who has become inspired by my training and taken up running! I think to hear her talk about doing her first 5k may be more uplifting to me than thinking about finishing my marathon. We agreed to run a turkey trot side by side next month. I hope she gets hooked.

Laurel, just the fact that you are feeling good enough, the day after, to want to run again in 6 weeks, is a good indicator that you didn't get too tore up yesterday, and I'm betting you'll get your BQ. Especially on a good course in good conditions.

Drock, make sure when you buy Bloks, you find on the label where it says *caffeinated. I've bought the un caffeinated ones a couple times by mistake.

Me, thanks for the well wishes on this clunky old knee. It's feeling better already. Where the cartilage damage is, it bruises internally, and then my body just has to flush that out. I'm used to it, and if it doesn't swell, it loosens up pretty quick. The Hoka shoes are a godsend for me for this reason. It sure felt good to get back into the gym (basement) today! I hadn't done any strength training since last Wednesday. I got in a good core and upper body workout, and then did 20 more minutes (super easy) on my spin bike. It was raining, or I would have biked outside. I've fallen in love with the spin bike... it can snow all it wants this winter!

MC, wow! hearing about your wife starting to train almost gives me a tear, that has to be like a dream come true!

I get mine at the local running store. They give me 10% off when I buy a whole box, and another 10% military discount, so it's as economical as than buying on-line. I've also seen them at GNC, and Supplement Giant, and all the local bikes stores are starting carry them too, as well at Dicks Sporting Goods and Sports Academy. The going price seems to be $1.99 a sleeve, and I've seen them as high as $2.50 at GNC. My favs are Chocolate Cherry, Black Cherry, and Tropical Punch. Tropical punch is probably the safest bet, if you are unsure of a flavor.

Laurel and Honky--you guys rock!!! Awesome finishing times for both of you!

Dreamn--get ready to PR in your upcoming marathon!

MC--Glad your wife is getting into the act! My DH and I rarely run together any longer, with two young kiddos and his crazy schedule, but it's always great to have someone at home who understands the glory/agony of this weird and wonderful sport that we call running . One of the reasons I went out on a first date with DH is that he knew what "26.2" was and thought it was cool (not just crazy) that I'd run several.

Me--Not much mileage on this end; spend most of last week getting over a cold. Planning on starting my ramp-up next week for my Feb. marathon. I went ahead and bought the Hanson's book to take a look at the plans in more detail. I never end up following prewritten plans to a T but I do like to "steal" ideas and training paces .

Another fan of bloks here. I order mine from runningwarehouse.com.

Upcoming: Buckeye Marathon 12/10/16

2nd running life" PR's:

5K (4/5/14): 21:25 10K (2/27/16): 44:57 10 Miles (11/26/15): 1:13:34

Half Marathon (5/3/14):1:38:18Full Marathon (5/25/14):3:30:25

Running in memory of my Sister-in-Law Carol, who passed away Mother's Day 2013.

John and Mac - you guys are right! my half time feels way out from my actual fitness. I'll start the search for my next half soon, once I make a final decision about whether I'm going to run another full in 6-8 weeks.

Mcneil- it's so nice to have someone else in the house who runs! My husband is a speed demon but he runs races over 10k beside me, and it's great.

Runnermom- Thanks! And I'm a huge fan of running warehouse too. Their prices are great and their customer service can't be beat.

Zanrok- I am seriously considering CIM. I'm looking at flights now...

Me- I foam rolled last night, which felt terrible and amazing, and today although my calves are mildly tight, I am looking forward to a few pokey miles tonight.

runawaylaurel - hope the pokey miles treat you well tonight. foam roller has always been a love/hate thing with my legs.

RunnerMon - It is a good book full of many great training principles and the science behind why they do the things they do in their training plan.

Honky - I really should start buying my Gu and shake stuff in quantity. Seems I am paying retail all the time and always running out.

Mac - You getting any miles this week or just in a lazy recovery mode?

Me - 5 easy miles at lunch @ 9:15/m avg. The legs are starting to feel the taper working on them. The snap is there and they feel rested and not really tired anymore. Sure they will start getting restless over the next 4 days. My remaining schedule starting tomorrow: SRD-6-6-3-26.2! This is getting real now!

Mac - You getting any miles this week or just in a lazy recovery mode?

Ran twice since TCM. Tonight is my first day back, but it is cold rainy and windy. Its like 45 degrees right now. Miserable. I've got the gear to run in the rain, but you can probably guess where my heart is right now. Plus I can't pick up a Monster Dash Bib for next weekend That would change my attitude instantly! Short Answer: Lazy

Thanks Runnermom! Take it easy and make sure that cold is totally gone. One of these days I need to stop by a book store and see what's new these days. The last time I bought a running book, it was called "The self coached runner" and it was right next to Jim Fixx's book... which was the bible then.

Wow, Pete... that's a Hanson taper? Definitely new school running right up to race day. I don't think I've ever ran the day before, and usually two days before. Last week I took 3 days off... but that's because I'm in the old geezer class. I have to admit, the more I read about Hanson, the more I'm intrigued. The results sure look good. I may have to take another look at the files Dreamn sent me...

Me- Feeling great today! The worst is over for the old knee, it's recovering nice, and the stairs aren't so daunting today. I did a good solid 30 minutes on my ski machine, 8 mile bike ride, and nice hard weight workout. I'm already thinking about lacing up for a run soon...

I've been thinking long and hard about next month's 6 hour (trail) ultra... and I just don't see it being a very smart thing to do. The knee just felt too fragile in the Marathon. I've pretty much decided I'm going to do the local 10 mile Thanksgiving Turkey Trot instead, and stay in one peace and keep having fun. I also just found out that there is a new local 13.1 (Hangover Half) on New Years day, which sounds like a blast.

Honky- CONGRATULATIOS!! That is such an awesome time!! I'm glad to hear that everything verged on perfect for you. After hearing tons of marathon horror stories, it is reassuring to hear great ones every now and then! And thanks so much for the input and advice. I really appreciate that!SprinklesRunner- I am running the Inland Trails Marathon ! I ran it as my first half marathon three years ago and it was a very flat, nice course. I am iffy about it being a "turn around" race but I think the scenes and the people along the way will help out with that.Laurel- AWESOME PR! That is incredible! Thanks for the details, they are really helpful! I read other comments saying how they did not realize your half was 1:49, my last half was 1:43 and I am really having troubles believing I can hit 3:45. I keep feeling that I am in over my head.Pete- Taper started this week for me & I can already feel myself being more anxious and my legs not being a fan! I'm sure you are feeling it since your race is much closer than mine is right now.! I'm sure it will pay off. Good luck and fingers crossed for you if I'm not on again before then!

Me- Ran my 20 miles this past weekend & am officially starting my taper. Iam always worried about pacing and so I went out on this long run and said tomyself "Run this at a comfortable, slower pace and enjoy it, Linds.Whatever the pace ends up being, it just ends up being." I ran it at acomfortable pace. I was able to breathe perfectly fine and I didn't feel mybody becoming as sore as usual. I didn't check my times every few miles or solike I usually do (drives me crazy). I ended up running it in 2:56:32. I don'tknow whether that is a good thing or a bad thing since the pace was faster thanI "should" run my long runs. But like I said, I felt comfortable.Afterward, my knee was a little swollen but nothing outrageous. Even after thatrun, I am still concerned about running a 3:45 for the full. Maybe because thisis my first one, I am just overly apprehensive? I'm not sure but the doubt isdefinitely setting in. I keep thinking that I am going to crash and burn.Hopefully that feeling goes away soon! Hope everyone else is having a greatweek!

It looks like the Marine Corps Marathon may be canceled unless the shutdown ends by Friday. Fingers crossed! I signed up for it intending to do TCM or MCM but the more I think about it, the more I've been leaning toward doing both. My strategy right now is to do the first 3-4 miles at an 8:30 pace to get over the two hills and then see if I can settle into that 8:12 pace I wanted at TCM. If my legs are feeling good, maybe I'll go for it. If not, I'll slow it way down and just enjoy the day. I hear it's so crowded that it's hard to PR anyway, so that might be the better approach. Getting ahead of myself.

I've done four four-mile runs since TCM and they've been feeling okay but not great. Tonight I'm doing five.

The earth is certainly vast and broad, though a man uses no more of it than the area he puts his feet on. (Chuang Tzu)

Pete- race time is so close! Your taper definitely looks different than mine did. I was a couch potato that last week.

Linds3y- Yeah I'm definitely not a speed demon at the half. I was poorly prepared for my first marathon 2 years ago and it showed in my time. Your prep, especially a comfortable 20 miler (my last 20 was done in exactly 3 hours, so slightly slower than yours), should make you feel good about sub-3:45 .

Cook- fingers crossed about MCM. Last year, I ran Richmond and it absorbed a lot of displaced NYCM runners well, so if you are antsy for another race, I recommend it! I also ran MCM 2 years ago and it was great, although it was my first marathon and I wasn't at all interested in my time. The Marines all along the course are really inspiring. Hope your 5 felt ok.

me- 3 miles on the treadmill because it was rainy and I was feeling on the lazy side. My legs felt fine and they feel almost back to 100% today, just very minor tightness. I didn't sign up for CIM, but Rehoboth and the Palm Beaches Marathon are both on my list now (both the weekend of Dec. 7). The FL race is an hour away from my father in law's house plus they have a half my husband could run at the same time. Not signing up for anything until at least next week, although the endorphins are telling me to...

Linds3y - I am not yet a 3:45 runner - but 20m that easily and under 3hr indicates to me that (provided you have built the endurance) that 3:45 should be in your wheelhouse

Runawaylaurel - FWIW I am a relatively new resident in FL so dont have personal experience with the palm beach run, but the people in my group all shy away from that one. have you read about it on marathonguide.com? (understand te attraction of family and the half)

Pete ...how are the taper legs?

Cookting - hoping for you that MCM goes on - but so soon after such a great effort???....iron man!!

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